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Chapter 69: The Rise of a New King
Chapter 69: The Rise of a New King
The Kingdom of Shambell was on the brink of collapse. The war-hungry king had ruled with an iron fist, corrupt nobles had drained the wealth of the people, and the military was little more than a tool for oppression. But that was about to change.
Seraphis had spent weeks dismantling the kingdom’s foundations, striking at its key figures one by one. The most dangerous nobles had fallen, the corrupt military houses were in disarray, and now, only one major piece remained: the throne itself.
The first prince, Aldric Vael Shambell, was the only remaining heir. Unlike his father and brother, Aldric was different. He was kind to the people, worked alongside merchants to stabilize the economy, and even funded orphanages out of his own pocket.
Seraphis had been watching him closely.
She knew he was a good man.
But goodness alone wasn’t enough to fix a broken kingdom.
And so, on that fateful night, she made her move.
Aldric’s private quarters were in the western wing of the castle, separate from the opulence of the main palace. His door was plain wood, unadorned, a stark contrast to the golden embellishments of the rest of the royal chambers.
Seraphis knocked twice.
The door opened moments later, revealing Prince Aldric, dressed in a loose tunic and trousers, his golden hair tousled from sleep. His deep blue eyes studied her, curiosity flashing across his face.
"Who are you?" he asked.
Before he could react, Seraphis slipped inside, pressed a playing card to his throat, and shut the door behind her.
Aldric stiffened, but to her surprise, he didn’t panic.
Instead, he sighed.
"If you were here to kill me, I’d already be dead," he said. "So why don’t you tell me what you want?"
Seraphis smiled. "Smart. That’s why I came to you."
She lowered the card and stepped back.
"Sit," she said, gesturing to the chair by his desk. "We need to talk."
Aldric studied her for a long moment before finally sitting.
Seraphis leaned against the edge of his desk, arms crossed. "You want to be king, don’t you?"
Aldric’s brows furrowed. "No. But I don’t want this kingdom to fall apart either."
"Then we’re on the same page," Seraphis said. "Because if you don’t take the throne, I will burn this kingdom to the ground."
Aldric’s jaw tensed. "You think that’s the only option?"
She tilted her head. "Have you seen your people? The streets are filled with starving families. Nobles live in luxury while the commoners can barely afford bread. The army is built on the backs of forced conscriptions. Your father has destroyed this kingdom. It’s already crumbling."
Aldric exhaled slowly. "And you believe I can fix it?"
Seraphis nodded. "I know you can. But first, you have to take the throne."
Aldric was silent for a long time.
"Let’s say I agree," he said. "What do you get out of this?"
Seraphis smirked. "When you become king, you will sign a treaty with Queen Alice. A friendly alliance. No war. Just a mutual agreement to rebuild."
Aldric arched a brow. "And what if I refuse?"
Seraphis smiled dangerously. "Then I keep playing my game. And your kingdom falls."
Aldric shook his head, chuckling. "You’re terrifying, you know that?"
"I’ve been told."
He sighed, rubbing his temples. "You want me to kill my own father."
Seraphis nodded. "He’ll never step down willingly. If you don’t act first, he’ll kill you before you ever get the chance."
Aldric clenched his fists. "He’s my father."
She leaned in. "He’s also a tyrant."
Silence stretched between them.
Then, finally, Aldric exhaled. "Fine. I’ll do it."
The next morning, the sun rose over a new kingdom.
The guards had found King Vael’s body slumped over his throne, a sword buried in his chest. There had been no struggle, no grand battle. The tyrant had never seen it coming.
By noon, Prince Aldric had been crowned king.
The people of Shambell, weary of war and suffering, rejoiced.
And by his side stood his longtime love, Lady Evelynn Roseshire—now Queen Evelynn of Shambell.
Seraphis had already investigated her background. She was clean—kind, intelligent, and fiercely loyal to Aldric. She had helped the people from the shadows, funding schools, creating safe havens for refugees.
Aldric had chosen well.
And now, with a new king and queen on the throne, Shambell had a chance to rise from the ashes.
That night, in the shadows of the palace, Seraphis watched from the rooftops.
She had done what she came to do.
The kingdom would not fall. Not today.
But if Aldric failed to keep his word…
She would return.